At least 16 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out at a garment factory in Dhaka’s Mirpur area on Tuesday. The blaze began on the third floor of a seven-storey building before spreading rapidly to a nearby chemical warehouse filled with flammable materials.
According to initial reports, the factory stored substances such as hydrogen peroxide and plastic, which made the fire spread quickly and release toxic smoke. Several workers were trapped inside as exit routes were blocked and the rooftop door was reportedly locked. Firefighters struggled for hours to control the flames and rescue those inside.
The fire was finally brought under control after an intense three-hour operation involving police, army, and emergency units. Many victims died from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Authorities confirmed that the death toll could rise as several people remain in critical condition.
Officials have launched an investigation into whether the factory and warehouse were operating legally and if they followed basic safety standards. Locals claimed that safety checks were rarely conducted and the building had no proper fire alarm or emergency exits.
Bangladesh’s interim government expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial aid for the victims’ families. The Prime Minister ordered a detailed probe and directed authorities to strengthen industrial safety rules to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The country’s garment industry, one of the world’s largest, has faced repeated fire and building safety incidents over the years, raising renewed concerns about factory oversight and worker protection.
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